22/01/2025
Association of Young Wanderers has utilised the chance to participate in the Erasmus+ Training Course "Touch (the) Nature II" project which took place in Oldřichov, Czech Republic 🇨🇿 in August, 2024 where they were exploring their origins – the natural world – and deliberating how to draw upon it in a broadly understood education and self-development. Partakers had opportunities to share their experience with spending time in the world apart from man – individually, with acquaintanceship and all the more – with their charges. That was even more valuable, because of diversity when it comes to their backgrounds and nationalities.
We had participants from all over Europe including, Czech Republic, Poland, Spain, Netherlands and Hungary.
Participants spent a week immersed in nature, surrounded by green hills, forests, streams, ponds, and fields. Nearby, there was a lake and waterfall, providing a perfect setting for activities involving flora and fauna. Highlights included forest bathing, which fostered a deeper connection with nature, and creating a steam sauna and pizza oven using natural materials.
Participants were blindfolded and taken to a remote mountain location, where they navigated with maps, climbed mountains, kayaked, rock-climbed, and started fires with firesteels. Additional challenges included cold-water swimming, outdoor sleeping, a day without phones, and sunrise walks. These activities helped participants push their limits, build stamina, and boost self-confidence, preparing them to use these skills in future projects or personal adventures.
DAY 1: Collaboration from the Start
The first day focused on getting to know each other through name games and team-building activities. Participants worked together on challenges like crossing a field using only mats and lifting each other through rope gaps. The day also included self-reflection, using nature as a tool for personal growth and setting goals for the week.
DAY 2: Creativity and Culture
Day two emphasized creativity and cultural exchange. Participants decorated personal pouches for notes and reflected on their goals. A “Masterchef” challenge involved preparing a three-course meal over a campfire using natural ingredients. In the evening, participants shared traditions, snacks, and games from their countries, creating a vibrant and cozy atmosphere.
DAY 3: A Challenging Hike
Participants embarked on a 24-kilometer hike, starting blindfolded in the forest and solving riddles to navigate. Along the way, they completed tasks representing natural elements—air, water, and fire—though some missed the earth task due to time constraints. The journey culminated at 10 p.m. with a mirror labeled “You’re the king/queen,” providing a moment of triumph and reflection after the arduous trek.
DAY 4: Rest and Rhythm
The group enjoyed a relaxing morning before heading into the woods for “forest bathing.” This activity included tasks like a five-minute forest sprint, fostering calmness and a deeper connection with nature. The day ended with a lively disco under the stars, where participants danced to various music styles, creating a magical evening.
DAY 5: Preparations for the Final Day
Participants spent the day preparing for two key activities. First, they built a sauna, oven, and monument using natural materials for the next day’s festivities. Second, they worked in groups to design three-day projects on topics like mental health, including activities to be presented the following day.
DAY 6: Presenting Projects
Each group showcased their “kids camp” project and led activities, such as burning pouches to release negativity and walking through a “tunnel of love” filled with compliments and hugs. Another activity celebrated mistakes with cheers, reframing failure positively. The day also included discussions about how different countries approach nature and education, ending with henna tattoos as a lasting memory of the week.
DAY 7: Farewell and Reflection
The final day focused on reflection and goodbyes. Participants dismantled the sauna and oven, cleaned up, and completed a feedback questionnaire. The week concluded with a campfire, snacks, and drinks, where everyone shared their thoughts on the unforgettable experience. The well-organized program, led by passionate and knowledgeable trainers, left a lasting impression, ensuring the memories of “Touch the Nature” would resonate for a long time.
Participation in the Erasmus training course Touch the Nature was an enriching and transformative experience for everyone involved. The week-long program combined adventure, creativity, self-reflection, and cultural exchange in a stunning natural setting. Through activities like forest bathing, challenging hikes, team-building games, and hands-on projects, participants not only deepened their connection with nature but also developed valuable skills such as collaboration, resilience, and self-confidence. The course fostered personal growth and encouraged participants to embrace new perspectives on education and sustainability. The thoughtful organization, passionate trainers, and supportive group dynamics created a welcoming environment that made the experience truly unforgettable. As participants returned home, they carried with them not just cherished memories but also practical tools and inspiration to incorporate nature-based learning into their own lives and future projects.
